SUB-ADULT FEMALESpecimen provided by Frank Somma.Photo taken by Jon Fouskaris.

Brazilian Red Tarantulas are large and shaggy
tarantulas. These rare tarantulas have long red hairs covering their body,
that's how they got their common name! A Brazilian Red Tarantula can make
a pretty good display tarantula since they are large and don't really
burrow. Since the Brazilian Red Tarantula is from the non-extensive genus
Nhandu, it can be picked out on a price list without much
confusion.
These tarantulas are aggressive, and are more on the skittish side. The
urticating hairs from the Brazilian Red Tarantula are supposedly more
severe than many other species, and they are not shy about flicking their
hairs at a potential predator or threat, which could be its' owner! Not a
beginners' species, the Brazilian Red Tarantula is a good display
tarantula.

Range

Rainforests and savannahs of
southern Brazil, and Paraguay.

Type

Terrestrial.

Diet

Spiderlings eat pinhead
crickets, and other small insects. Adults eat
crickets, other large insects, and an occasional pinkie mouse.

Full Grown Size

6 to 6.5 inches.

Growth

Medium speed.

Temperature

80 to 85° F.

Humidity

75 to 80%.

Temperament

Semi-aggressive and nervous.

Housing

Babies can live in a clear
plastic deli-container with air holes. Adults can live in a 5 to 10-gallon tank. Floor space is
more important than height.

Substrate

3 to 5 inches of
peat moss, or potting soil.

Decor

No decorations are really
needed, but you can add a log, or cork bark.

Other Names

Brazilian Orange Tarantula.

*Please note that
ALL tarantulas have a certain amount of venom. Although most people are not
affected by this species, some people may be allergic to the venom, or just more
sensitive, making it a dangerous situation. This is one of the reasons that
people should not handle this tarantula. Also, New World species of tarantulas
like this one can flick urticating hairs off of their abdomens, which can also
cause a reaction, depending on the person. Affects of this tarantulas' natural
defenses may vary between people. All tarantulas should be considered dangerous,
so be careful, because you don't want to find out if you are allergic or more
sensitive the HARD WAY!